Away kit worn at home & Collins finding form: Talking points from Bristol Rovers’ win over Rochdale

Bristol Rovers made it hard work but they claimed all three points in a 4-2 win over Rochdale.

The Gas surrendered a two-goal lead to Dale as Jake Beesley cancelled out Antony Evans and Aaron Collins’ strikes. Fortunately Rovers found their rhythm again as Harry Anderson put them in front and then Collins made sure of the win.

Given they almost gifted Rochdale a point it was nice to give their home fans a treat before Christmas.

We take a look at some of the talking points from what was a scintillating affair at the Memorial Stadium.

Form is coming for Collins

Four goals in Aaron Collins’ last four matches has the Welshman in a good run of form, more importantly three of them have come in the league.

Signed from Forest Green Rovers in the summer, it’s been a slow start for Collins, who showed promise but couldn’t find the net.

Collins is now becoming an important player in this Rovers side, because he’s scoring goals but also playing a part in their other goals.

Today’s two strikes were quite different, his first was a strike that probably eclipses his goal against Oxford, whilst his second is something we were accustomed to at his time at the New Lawn, a composed finish.

Time to put a run together

A four-game run for a win is now over, now it’s time to start putting a string of wins together to meet the early season expectations of automatic promotion.

Scunthorpe United are a team for the taking next week so two wins going into the festive period would be what is needed if Rovers want to start mounting a promotion push.

If they can beat the teams around the then they will get the confidence needed to beat the teams who have started their campaign better.

Away strip being worn at home

Bristol Rovers today walked out in green and yellow quarters today. They are colours we’ve been accustomed to but not at home. Blue and White is the usual colour but today the club opted to play in their away shirt.

The decision was to make people aware of the ‘No Home Kit’ campaign which is being led by Shelter.

It makes people aware of Shelter, which supports people who don’t have a safe place to call home. Other clubs have done it already whilst some will do it on Boxing Day.

Discipline improves but another penalty conceded

Earlier in the week, Joey Barton stressed the importance of improving their discipline after two red cards in their defeat to Port Vale.

Today no players were booked which showed that the discussion between Barton and Paul Coutts over the problems were relaid to the players and they reacted positively.

One frustration is that Pablo Martinez’ foul on Beesley meant they conceded their fifth penalty of the season. It’s the most in the league and perhaps there needs to be some training on how not to concede them as it provides the opposition with a great chance to score.